Turtles have to stay in their own habitat!!!?

Question

My mom's boyfriend is moving to Louisiana in October.
A turtle laid eggs in our yard and will hatch around
August-Septemeber. (it has been a few months). But
my mom's boyfriend (Mr. Greg) wants to take them with
him and isn't it illegal to take turtles out of
their natural habitat? The climate is much different
from Lousiana then from here (hotter). But as I try
to tell him, he won't listen! I said "But the turtles
could die!" and he said "Well, if they die they die."
He is such a moron. I tell my mom and she doesn't
want him to take the turtles either, but when she
tries to convince Mr. Greg, they get into an arguement. The turtles are not his. He thinks so becasue he found the nest. But they are the environments! I need some help and please someone tell me that it is illegal! (the turtles are: the Eastern Box Turtle. I have been finding and taking care of them in the summer (then letting them go) for 3 years. I know how to take care of them.)

I told him that I would do research if it's illgal, and he said "I don't care if it's illgal, I'm still gonna take them!" And he knows more about these turtles than I do, which is why this is so stupid. I thought he knew better...

Answer 1

1. It is illegal in most states to collect turtle eggs or to take turtles from the wild. Eastern Box Turtles are REALLY protected in many of their states. He really, truely can get busted for this, especially if the game or fish wardens find out.

2. Moving turtle eggs almost always kills them once they have sat in place for a while. It ALWAYS kills them if you do it badly- so the illegal 'taking' has changed to illegal killing.

3. Caring for baby Box Turtles is REALLY hard if you are not experienced in it.

4. Selling baby turtles is illegal in most places, and against federal regulations EVERYWHERE in the US.

5. Transporting animals across state lines to avoid local laws is a federal offense.

6. From what I can tell, Louisiana forbids importing non-native wild animals as well. Selling them there would be against their laws as well.



Illegality aside, the bottom line is that the babies are going to die, period. He will either kill the eggs, or if he manages to save the eggs he will kill the few babies that hatch.

Please note- it is also illegal for you to be catching them and releasing them, and that is also not very healthy for the wild population unless you are taking special care to ensure that your releases are totally free of any diseases first.


One idea- contact your local game or wildlife office about 'help in caring for the nest, and protecting it from predators or people'. They may actually recover the eggs themselves for rehabilitation (there is a safe way to do it).

Answer 2

Definately, the eggs should be left in their natural habitat. That the boyfriend has no respect and consideration for nature, is not only a problem he has, but a problem many has.

People in general know too little about the consequenses their actions has, when dealing with nature.

Answer 3

he should deff not take the turtles out of their natural habitat, climate change and even elevation change can damage the turtles in fatal ways. Even though they are in the egg still they are breathing and adapting to that specific environment. tell the boyfriend to eff off

Answer 4

Wow, he does sound like a moron.
And yeah, I'm pretty sure that it's illegal. You're not allowed to take any wild animal out of it's natural habitat. People get in trouble for trying to nurse abandoned birds and stuff back to health. If you're not a licenesed wildlife rehabber, you're not allowed to take them. Tell him you'll call the proper authorities on him if he tries to take them. (He'll get a fine)

Answer 5

Actually there are enforced laws and you will have to be careful because taking them to a new area may begin an invasive species chain. Work towards finding the laws and if your old enough to have a respect go to the ministry of natural resources.

Answer 6

unfortunately these types of turtles are not considered an endangered species. it is not illegal for him to move them. however i do understand your concern. if i were you i would hide them until after he leaves. he does sound like a moron. just hide them and do not tell where they are. if he wants to take them as pets- that is probably the worst thing he could do. these types of turtle do terribly in captivity and they will probably die.

read this article i'm sure it will help you

http://www.wildlifewatchers.org/esReports/report30.html

dont let that douchebag take them.

Answer 7

You should be entitled to keep them here, in your natural habitat. Tell Mr. Greg he cannot have them.